Freshman Showcase: Impact Performers

Wisconsin's Class of 2026 prospects lived up to the hype at this year's Freshman Showcase. In a gym filled with talent, I have narrowed down a list of a few prospects whose talents consistently stood out throughout the day.   [player_tooltip player_id='1561908' first='Grant' last='Hardy'] | 6'3 PG | Appleton North   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/847-Grant-Hardy-scaled-crop-2049x1345-1663532473.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/847-Grant-Hardy-scaled-crop-2049x1345-1663532473.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1592268" width="258" height="169"/></a><figcaption> [player_tooltip player_id='1561908' first='Grant' last='Hardy']</figcaption></figure>   Hardy has an impressively high IQ and pace within his gameplay. In mismatched situations, he effectively reads the help and finds the open man. His combination of size and playmaking ability made him a consistently tough matchup. His ability to use his body and handles in tight spaces allowed his team to play through him. He provides a nice blend of skill, athletics, and playmaking that was on full display at the Freshman Showcase.   [player_tooltip player_id='1561944' first='Jacob' last='Hibner'] | 5'10 SG | Monona Grove   Hibner did major damage playing off the ball. He has a consistent release on his jump shot and is a sniper from beyond the arc. The SG found himself in the right spots in transition as well as in the half-court. Defensively, he has quickness, the ability to avoid and recover from screens, and a willingness to defend the best player on the court. His understanding of how to play in space is high school ready.   [player_tooltip player_id='1561888' first='Josh' last='Manchester'] | 6'2 PG | Mount Horeb   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/795-Josh-Manchester-scaled-crop-2048x1345-1663532966.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/795-Josh-Manchester-scaled-crop-2048x1345-1663532966.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1592274" width="263" height="173"/></a><figcaption>[player_tooltip player_id='1561888' first='Josh' last='Manchester']</figcaption></figure>   Manchester is a threat from all three levels, his awareness and high IQ put him in a position to make plays for himself and his teammates. He scored at all three levels and makes plays for others in a variety of actions. The "microwave scoring" guard has the ability to go on a run given the opportunity. His tight handle and presence make him a major threat when attacking the rim or looking to create his own shot. Simply put: When in space, Manchester is a scoring machine.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552512' first='Zavier' last='Zens'] | 6'5 W | Wisconsin Lutheran   The ceiling is high for the 6'5 standout. His athletics is functional and fluid, it will translate immediately to the high school game. Zens scored the ball from all three levels of the floor. He covers a lot of ground with the ball in his hands, he keeps defenders on their toes with his ability to pull up off of the dribble. His IQ and ability to get to his spots on a consistent basis stood out the most. Give him an inch and he will knock it down from deep. Zens seemed comfortable changing gears and getting to the rim throughout the day.   [player_tooltip player_id='1561953' first='Thian' last='Riak'] | 6'4 W | Madison LaFollette   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/800-Thian-Riak-scaled-crop-2036x1337-1663532649.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/800-Thian-Riak-scaled-crop-2036x1337-1663532649.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1592270" width="264" height="173"/></a><figcaption>[player_tooltip player_id='1561953' first='Thian' last='Riak']</figcaption></figure>   Riak is a paint presence who is capable of switching onto guards. His timing and positioning got him countless blocks around the rim. His vision, awareness, and ability to creatively deliver the ball to cutting teammates from inside the pain are impressive. When he catches the ball, his head and eyes are already up. The steady scorer's ability to knock down shots had defenders chasing him off the line, and he consistently attacked the rim or created easy baskets for his team. Riak showed flashes of defensive versatility and change of speed to keep an eye on come season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1561954' first='Steven' last='Wright'] | 5'6 PG | Shorewood   Wright was rarely sped up when pressured by defenders and has a knack for getting into the paint. His crafty handle allowed him to apply pressure on the rim and find a cutting teammate. His footwork is impressive. Because of his quickness, there is a pathway for him to develop into a plus on-ball defender. His court awareness is high school ready.   Ladell White Jr | 5'11 G | Milwaukee Juneau   White has a calming yet aggressive presence about him, the two-way guard has a knack for changing tempo on both ends. He's the type of prospect that's giving 100% each minute he's in the game, he competes. His quick first step and playmaker mentality gave him opportunities to create inside-out chances for his teammates. His long-range shot was on display when defenses chose to play him for the drive. The ceiling for versatility from White is high.   [player_tooltip player_id='1561947' first='Caleb' last='Liggon'] | 6'4 SG | Madison West   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/849-Caleb-Liggon-scaled-crop-2048x1345-1663532726.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/849-Caleb-Liggon-scaled-crop-2048x1345-1663532726.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1592271" width="274" height="180"/></a><figcaption>[player_tooltip player_id='1561947' first='Caleb' last='Liggon']</figcaption></figure>   Liggon is a point forward that produces in various ways on both ends of the court. His size and handle allow him to lead the break and push the pace. The coast-to-coast threat showed off his touch from range. His shot selection was smart and successful throughout the day. Liggon excelled at getting defenders up in the air and capitalizing. Defensively, he read passing lanes and slid his feet well. His decision-making was impressive, he wasn't trying to do too much. He noticeably played his role effectively in each matchup.   [player_tooltip player_id='1561941' first='Jayden' last='Paul'] | 5'8 PG | Big Foot   Paul had the ball on a string all day long. His ability to break down his defender and draw help made for extremely good looks for his teammates. He proved to be elusive and had a knack for getting others involved. He's a speedy and explosive point guard that can play both sides at a high level. He changes directions well as a ball handler and is great at attacking closeouts. His ability to create on the move will translate well to Big Foot's offensive game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1561874' first='Nathan' last='Ramus'] | 6'0 PG | Appleton North   Ramus has developed his game in multiple ways going into his first high school season. His consistent awareness was a strength that helped him initiate the offense and create for himself. His explosive scoring ability, athletic tools, and playmaking flashes were on full display at the Freshman Showcase. His pace and range of scoring made him a consistent threat on the offensive end. His high IQ and balanced attack allowed him to make big plays on both ends. The composed lefty has "floor general" written all over his game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1561931' first='Jake' last='Sherman'] | 5'10 PG | Shorewood   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/550-Jake-Sherman-scaled-crop-2049x1345-1663532829.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/550-Jake-Sherman-scaled-crop-2049x1345-1663532829.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1592272" width="250" height="164"/></a><figcaption> [player_tooltip player_id='1561931' first='Jake' last='Sherman']</figcaption></figure>   Sherman proved to be a shifty guard who kept his head on a swivel game after game. His handle is incredibly fluid, and he just seems to float as a ball handler. Because of his sturdy frame, he rarely is off balance. He takes contact well and is not easily pushed off the ball. Sherman possesses a natural sense of creativity that allows him to create for himself and others at the lead guard spot. He was a calming presence and a facilitator for his group.   [player_tooltip player_id='1561961' first='Deandre' last='Haynes'] | 5'9 PG | Pius XI Catholic   Haynes ability to attack angles and get downhill is high school ready. His court awareness made him a consistent facilitator for his team. He showed he can make passes with either hand and operate effectively in the pick-and-roll. Haynes made beating the initial defender look effortless. The poised guard was rarely sped up and he controlled the tempo throughout camp.   [player_tooltip player_id='1561939' first='Ethan' last='Joling'] | 6'4 PG | Hortonville   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/890-ETHAN-JOLING-scaled-crop-2049x1345-1663532888.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/890-ETHAN-JOLING-scaled-crop-2049x1345-1663532888.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1592273" width="268" height="176"/></a><figcaption>[player_tooltip player_id='1561939' first='Ethan' last='Joling']</figcaption></figure>   Joling is a physical presence that understands how to use his body. When Joling gets going, his pace, footwork, and ability to use his pivot foot seem to make him unstoppable. The wiry wing plays with great pace and touches inside. His length is impactful - disrupts passing lanes, alters shots, and can reject shots in the lane. He capitalized extremely well off of turnovers as well. His ability to take his man off the dribble and finish through contact made him a very tough cover.

Wisconsin's Class of 2026 prospects lived up to the hype at this year's Freshman Showcase. In a gym filled with talent, I have narrowed down a list of a few prospects whose talents consistently stood out throughout the day.